Introductions...Nice to meet you!

Hi All. I'm Kim. I'm new to this blogging thing, but think I've always had one running in my head...

I chose the title "Four Feet in the Air" because it seems to capture the things I'm most passionate about these days: my critters and my career as a flight attendant. I am married (16 years) with two kids (Audrey, 15, and Parker, 12). We live outside the Twin Cities, on the Wisconsin side with a view of rolling hills and beautiful trees. No, I don't care much about the Packers, the Vikings, or Brett Favre (unless there is a good tailgate involved). We have a Golden Retriever who has no clue she's a dog, 3 and 3/4 cats (Snuggles is a "tripod") and two horses who live on the Minnesota side of the river. I fly for a regional airline, and am having the time of my life working in the mini-microcosm of humanity! Stay tuned for lots of good stories, as I seem to be in the "accelerated program" for gathering 'em...

Now meet the Cast of Characters:

• Doug -- hubby of 16+ years. good guy. lawn-obsessed.eyes me w/ puzzled look on his face most of the time. Has said I'm like living with Lucy...
• Audrey -- 15 and starting Freshman year.cheerleader (the one they throw around.great.) gives father fashion advice now. knows everything (don't have to send her to college, this way!) Starting drivers' ed this fall; this ought to be GOOD! Thinks cell phone is a body-part.
• Parker -- 12 on his birth certificate, but an old soul.very witty boy, likes torturing his mother with "yo mama" jokes.Dubbed "the Cat Whisperer" years ago for his feline-communication-talents. Makes my eyes glaze over with football facts.
• Chami -- 9 year-old Golden Retriever. Canine Goddess in touch with her deity, not-s0-much with the canine part...has been a mom to a fat hamster, two rabbits, and four cats so far. Didn't know she could swim until she was about five and doesn't like it.Doesn't believe in retrieving after bringing it back once. "You keep losing it, You go get it" is her philosophy.My soulmate.Sometimes we let Doug hang off the edge of the bed.
• Zip -- 7 year-old Zen Master cat. Definitely the distinguished gentleman of the bunch.Dedicated to the art of yoga, and yogurt, now that you mention it...Did someone crack one open!? Deep thinker...Nice manners.
• Chloe -- 5 year-old Princess. Likes 2legs to think she's timid and shy only as a cover for her true ninja identity.Ringleader and timekeeper for all feeding times.Don't think you can hide under a pillow, either! Has her own room with french doors, which you may enter By Invitation Only.(or if you have saltine crackers)
• Snuggles -- 5 year-old Tripod. DO NOT think that 3 legs slows him down!!! Has serious and continued concerns over 2legs stepping into raining room all the time.Towels (fresh out of the dryer OR wet) are the best things in life.Hates "the Baby" and insists everything is her fault...Very opinionated and vocal about it.Has the ability to move a 75-pound dog off a nice, warm spot while maintaining highly cultivated innocent look.
  
• Oreo -- "the Baby" (1+ year-old) is really her criminal tag. Taunts the Goddess with her ability and desire to play fetch.Delights in pestering Big Brother Snuggles as often as possible. Not sure what to think of 2legs, except for the Whisperer.You are not safe if you have a stash of Cheerios anywhere accessible.
• Bashira --15 year-old Arab-Quarter cross. Would wear lipstick if she had opposable thumbs. Beautiful girl living the good life (= eating, pooping, being pampered followed by more eating).Audrey lost interest in riding in Jr.High, so she's just a kept woman at this point.Gets ridden when I get occasional bursts of ambition and time home.Should beware that kids go back to school soon, so I'll have more time! She's a pretty jumper;too bad it's so challenging from the fetal position...
• Henry -- 6 year-old Paint.The acknowledged Love of My Life. (Hubby seems ok with this...or resigned to the fact).Henry is totally blind and one of the MOST AMAZING living creatures I've ever had the privilege of knowing.One of the best teachers and friends and girl could hope to have.